English also spoke to Morning Report on other matters

The relationship between the two countries was in "good shape" and New Zealand wanted an ambassador who understood that, Mr English said.

On reviving the TPP trade deal: The US was a stabilising influence in the Asia-Pacific. Many countries decided to sign up to the TPP thinking the US would be part of it, he said.

On Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull rejecting New Zealand's offer to take 150 refugees from Australia's off-shore detention camps: The main focus for Australia was on the refugee deal with the US.

"The [New Zealand] offer remains, it doesn't look likely to me they will take it up in a hurry."

On the potential for National to offer New Zealand First leader Winston Peters the deputy prime minister role post-election: "We won't be spending the next few months courting Winston Peters."

"The only thing we'd rule out would be sharing the Prime Minister's job."